Page 155 - Keys to College Success

Use perception puzzles to experience a
KEY 5.7 shift in perspective.

There are two possibilities for each image. What do you see?
(See page 133 for answers.)

Try on another point of view. Ask others for their perspectives, read about new
ways to approach situations, or risk going with the opposite of your first instinct.
Then use what you learn to inspire creativity. For a political science course, for
example, you might craft a position paper for a senatorial candidate that goes
against your position on that particular issue. For a fun example of how looking at
something in a new way can unearth a totally different idea, look at the perception
puzzles in Key 5.7.

Ask “what if” questions. Set up imaginary environments in which new ideas can
grow, such as “What if I had unlimited money or time?” For example, the founders of
Seeds of Peace, faced with long-term conflict in the Middle East, took the risk to ask:
5 What if Israeli and Palestinian teens met at a summer camp in Maine to build mutual
CHAPTER tion that provides enormous reward to teenagers from the Middle East, helping them
understanding and respect? Based on the ideas that came up, they created an organiza-
to develop leadership and communication skills.

Take a break. When you are stumped by a challenging academic or personal problem,
you can benefit from the shift in perspective that some downtime can provide. In fact,
a “brain break” is often an essential part of the creative process. Go for a walk or run,
take a shower, watch a YouTube video, play a game—whatever sends the “off duty”
message to your brain. You may be surprised at what ideas come to the surface when
you are not actively trying to generate them. 29

Risk Being an Outsider

Although humans naturally seek belonging and expertise, mastery and being part of
the “in crowd” can stifle creative thinking. The more you know, the less your brain
feels the need to innovate. For this reason, “outsiders” with little knowledge often come
up with game-changing ideas. Here are some ideas on how to be an outsider, even in
areas where you are firmly established.

Risk leaving your comfort zone. Your creative mind benefits when you leave areas
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of competence and come into contact with the unknown. Go somewhere you’ve never

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